Here are a list of the top 5 books that I have read this year (so far). This was a difficult list to compose, but after much deliberation I have settled on just 5. I would highly recommend any of these books. I hope that my list will give you some ideas for your next book, and that you find this list helpful. Keep reading!
“How Does Sanctification Work?” by David Powlison
This book surprised me. Every now and then you read something or hear something that causes you to stop and think, “I have never thought of it like that…” Well, this was one of those books for me. Powlison takes a balanced approach to the understanding of sanctification that I found extremely helpful. I especially liked his idea of “Unbalance and Rebalance.” (Chapter 3) This book is both short and applicable. I recommend this book to anyone who is looking to grow in their understanding of what it means to follow Christ, but especially to those who are actively seeking to teach others to grow in Christ.
You can find this book by clicking here.
“Essentialism” by Greg McKeown
Now To be fair, this is a re-read for me… But this book changed the way that I look at work, at my schedule, and at my life. It is a book that will shift your paradigms. The tag line of the book is A discipled pursuit of less, and in this book McKeown sets out a compelling argument for doing less in order that we may do more. It is an easy read, and I highly recommend this book to any person who desires to become more effective in organizing life in order to accomplish the important things even among the distractions and the chaos of life. I believe this book is a must read!
You can find this book by clicking here.
“Life Together” by Dietrich Bonhoeffer
I strongly believe that we need to be reading the classics, and Life Together is a Christian classic that is often overlooked, but so good! In this book, Bonhoeffer examines Christian community. He describes it as a beautiful ebb and flow from corporate community and worship (a “Day with Others”) to the silence and solitude of being alone (a “Day spent Alone”). He says, “Let him who cannot be alone beware of community.” Then he continues, “Let him who is not in community beware of being alone.” This is a great book, and I highly recommend that you pick up a copy!
You can find this book by clicking here.
“We Cannot Be Silent” by Albert Mohler
In this book, Mohler seeks to engage the current culture with the gospel. Specifically, Mohler engages with the cultural and sexual revolution in an attempt to speak the truth to a culture that is redefining sex, marriage, and the very meaning of right and wrong. This book will challenge you in some profound ways to engage with the issues that we face in our communities with honesty, truth, and love. I recommend this book to any person who is looking to better engage with the issues that we have as a culture today.
You can find this book by clicking here.
“As Kingfishers Catch Fire” by Eugene Peterson
This is another book that surprised me. Peterson is a great writer, but this book has to be one of his best. This book is a collection of teaching and writings from Peterson that almost reads devotionally. Each time I picked this book up, I was encouraged and challenged. I recommend this book to any one looking for a great book to read slowly for encouragement in the faith. I have found that this book is best enjoyed when it is savored little by little each day.
You can find this book by clicking here.